Fire-Rated Penetrations for Plumbers – Collars, Wraps & Mastic Basics
NCC Volume One Specification 13 explained simply: plastic vs metal pipes, when to use one collar vs two, and Reece product picks
When plumbing pipes pass through fire-rated walls, floors, or slabs (common in multi-storey apartments, commercial, or Class 2–9 buildings), you must maintain the Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of the building element. Missing this is one of the most frequent defects at practical completion and handover.
The rules come from NCC Volume One Specification 13 (Penetration of walls, floors and ceilings by services), tested to AS 1530.4 and AS 4072.1. Here’s the simple breakdown plumbers need.
Plastic Pipes vs Metal Pipes – What You Need
| Pipe Material | Main Risk | Protection Method | Typical Reece Product Picks (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (PVC, HDPE, PP-R, PEX) | Pipe melts/burns, hole opens | Fire collar (intumescent – expands in heat to crush pipe & seal hole) | Trafalgar FyreCOLLAR Premium Hinged Retrofit 65mm (3210044) ~$80–$120 Promat PROMASEAL Retrofit 50mm (1001221) ~$60–$100 |
| Metal (copper, steel) | Conducts heat → temperature rise on unexposed side >180°C | Intumescent wrap (TWRAP) around pipe inside penetration + mastic seal | TWRAP Penetration Wrap 25mm thick 450mm x 7620mm roll (3210034) ~$665/roll Stainless Steel Cable Tie 521mm (3210036) ~$124/pkt 25 |
When to Use One Collar vs Two
- Slabs/floors (horizontal): One collar — install on underside (fire exposure side). Cast-in collars (during pour) or retrofit (after core drill). Example: Trafalgar FyreCOLLAR Cast-In or Promat PROMASEAL CIL.
- Walls (vertical):
- Standard retrofit collars (hinged): Two collars — one on each side of the wall (protects from fire either direction).
- Dedicated wall collars (e.g., Promat PROMASEAL FCW): One collar — inserted mid-wall cavity. Always check manufacturer test report for the exact system.
Mastic / Sealant – The Finishing Touch
- Fill annular gaps (space around pipe) with intumescent mastic (gun-applied) on both sides of wall or underside of slab.
- Reece examples: FyrePEX High Performance Mastic (3210024) ~$20–$30/cartridge.
- Never skip — even perfect collars fail if gaps aren’t sealed.
Quick Estimating Checklist
- Plastic pipe through slab → 1 collar underside
- Plastic pipe through wall → 1–2 collars (check product)
- Metal pipe through slab/wall → TWRAP + mastic
- Allow $150–$600 per penetration (material + labour)
- Always specify “tested to AS 1530.4 / AS 4072.1” and keep test reports for certifier
At SNZ Plumbing Estimating, we include compliant fire-stopping in every multi-storey or commercial quote — no surprises at inspection.
What’s your go-to fire collar brand? Drop it in the comments or DM us for a quick check on your next project!
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